Issues

Free and fair elections are a necessary condition for democracy. In many parts of the world, however, this basic condition is not met. 

The Lab works with nonpartisan local organizations around the world to preserve free and fair elections and protect the right to vote.

Independent judges and prosecutors are crucial for protecting the rule of law in the face of executive or legislative overreach. At the same time, there must be lawful and effective procedures for holding judges and prosecutors accountable if they engage in misconduct or the abuse of power. Autocrats bent on consolidating power typically attempt to undermine the independence of judiciaries and prosecution services and seek to pack them with loyalists. 

The Lab works with nonpartisan local organizations around the world to preserve judicial and prosecutorial independence and accountability.

Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy, making it the most attacked aspect of democracy worldwide, according to V-Dem Institute. In many countries, dissenters, journalists, and independent media outlets are persecuted for reporting the truth, and laws, rules, and regulations are weaponized to suppress and chill free expression. 

The Lab works with nonpartisan local organizations around the world to preserve the right to free expression.

During and beyond elections, democracy requires that all people are treated as equal. Autocratic regimes advance their agendas by polarizing communities and discriminating against minorities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, and/or immigration status. 

The Lab works with nonpartisan local organizations to fight such discrimination.